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274. Sorry, I Can’t Give You That

“As I have mentioned before,” Stan began, “I was not raised in a Christian home.”

Continuing, he said, “I have often thought what a difference being raised in a Christian home could have made in my younger life, but I also know that it was for a reason.”

“And what do you think is the reason?” I asked.

“To make my faith my own,” Stan responded. “I remember early in my Christian walk a pastor saying something like just because a person is born in a Christian home it doesn’t mean that he or she is a Christian, no more than being born in a garage makes a person a car!”

“I was very slow in coming to faith in Christ,” Stan continued, “but I eventually made the decision that only I could make. No one could make it for me.”

“I liked hanging around with the Christians that were new in my life, and I often thought that I would really like to have what they had.”

“One day I mentioned that to one of my new Christian friends. His response was, in essence, ‘Sorry, but I can’t give you that. You have to receive it from God.’”

“That was a significant day in my life, as is each day following, that as I focus on the only One who can transform me into who He intends. Others may manifest what I wish I had, but I have to know they cannot give me what they have. Only God can do that.”

“It is available for the asking, but I have to ask, and then receive.”

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Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God? John 11:40.

Ask, and it shall be given to you. Matthew 7:7.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your provision of life eternally with you when my time here is done. And thank you for the life you have for me on this side of eternity while I wait for the train. Thank you for the people you bring into my life to manifest you and to show me that it is up to me to receive from you all you have for me. Jesus said that eternal life is all about knowing you, the Father, and Him. Please lead me, and help me to follow, in pursuing that knowledge and an ever-deepening relationship with you, just as you have available and want for me. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.